POINT LOMA, Calif. (NNS) -- Family members, friends and Sailors welcomed the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Asheville (SSN 758) back to her homeport of San Diego Dec. 3 after a six-month deployment.
Asheville, under the command of Commander Task Force (CTF) 74, was deployed to the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility which extends from the Arabian Gulf into the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific.
"This was a highly successful deployment for the crew of Asheville. I could not have asked for better personnel to undertake this mission," said Asheville's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Brodie Berkhout. "We accomplished what we had set out to do and had some fun on the side as well."
Asheville made several port calls, including a multiday visit to Hong Kong where Sailors were offered many liberty opportunities and participated in community relations projects.
"It feels good to put work aside and get off the boat to enjoy some recreational time on shore," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Shawn Giutag. "But even more satisfying was reaching out to the local community and doing some service work for them and offering our hand in friendship."
While family members waited for Asheville to moor, they were treated to refreshments and music. In keeping with the holiday spirit, children were offered the opportunity to take photographs sitting on Santa Claus' lap.
"It is so nice to have my son back in time for the holidays," said Sue Handley, mother of Electronics Technician 3rd Class Zachary Poteat, of Palmdale, Calif. "We missed him so much and are very proud of him and every other Sailor of the Asheville. They have done a great service to our nation, and now they can enjoy the holidays with their loved ones."
The 360-foot Asheville was commissioned in September 1991 and is the 47th Los Angeles-class attack submarine built for service. It is also the fourth U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name of the North Carolina city.